Lee Seunghwan Files Constitutional Complaint Against Gumi Mayor: "Mandatory Pledge Is Unconstitutional"

"'I Will Not Engage in Political Agitation' Pledge Coercion"
Kim Jang-ho Files Compensation Lawsuit and Constitutional Petition Against Gumi Mayor

Singer Lee Seunghwan plans to file a constitutional complaint regarding the Gumi mayor's demand for a pledge prohibiting political agitation.

Singer Lee Seunghwan. Screenshot from Lee Seunghwan's SNS.

On the 29th, Lee Seunghwan's legal representative, lawyer Lim Jaesung of the law firm Haemaru, announced through Lee Seunghwan's social media (SNS) that following a lawsuit for damages related to the unjust cancellation of his concert by the Gumi mayor, a constitutional complaint will also be pursued. Lawyer Lim stated, "On December 20, 2024, the Gumi mayor (administrative authority) demanded that Mr. Lee Seunghwan sign and submit a pledge stating 'I will not engage in political agitation or politically misleading speech or behavior' by 2 p.m. on December 22, 2024, via an official letter from the director of the Gumi City Culture and Arts Center," adding, "It was specified that failure to comply could result in cancellation according to the venue regulations. Subsequently, the Gumi mayor canceled the venue reservation."

Lawyer Lim continued, "This infringes on public authority's violation of freedom of conscience ('the freedom not to be forced to express one's conscience verbally') and the general freedom of action ('the freedom not to act')," and pointed out, "Demanding Lee Seunghwan to sign a pledge not to engage in 'politically misleading speech or behavior' violates his personal rights, and above all, unilaterally canceling a concert with over 1,000 tickets sold just two days before the event shakes freedom of expression and artistic freedom."

He added, "We will seek a ruling that 'the Gumi mayor's demand for a pledge to Lee Seunghwan on December 20, 2024, violates the Constitution,' so that public authorities will never again censor, silence, or subjugate performers' thoughts on stage," and announced plans to submit the constitutional complaint in January.

Earlier, on the 23rd, Gumi Mayor Kim Jangho issued an urgent statement announcing the cancellation of Lee Seunghwan's concert scheduled at the Gumi City Culture and Arts Center. Mayor Kim explained the cancellation reason as, "Considering the purpose of establishing the Culture and Arts Center, the refusal to sign the pledge stating 'I will not engage in political agitation or misleading speech,' and the possibility of unpredictable physical conflicts or accidents, the venue reservation is inevitably canceled."

However, Lee Seunghwan's side later stated, "It appears the real reason for the cancellation was the 'refusal to sign the pledge.' This is a matter of 'freedom of expression.' A public institution demanded in advance that the creator sign a document stating 'I will not engage in politically misleading speech or behavior,' and when this was not followed, disadvantages occurred. It is regrettable and tragic." They added, "Those involved in this decision, not the taxpayers of Gumi, should bear the legal and economic responsibilities arising from the cancellation."